Meet the NATiVE Team

Established in 2007, the NATiVE team has been at the forefront in providing green products and services to help make Texas the leader in renewable energy and sustainability. Comprised of a group of intelligent, forward-thinking, versatile, and compassionate Texans, the NATiVE team understands the inherent requirement for something to be sustainable.

Meet the NATiVE Team

Lloyd LeePresident

Lloyd was born and raised in Texas and has lived in the Central Texas area since 1992. Lloyd worked in construction during college, which spurred his interest in building. After graduating with a degree in Industrial Technology from Southwest Texas University, Lloyd worked in the high tech industry and gained an appreciation for using new technologies to solve old problems. His passion for building and interests in technology led him to pursue an active role in sustainable construction and renewable energy system integrations. At Native, Lloyd cultivates a culture of empowering team members to excel within their individual talents. Lloyd is very proud of his team and considers Native’s long term viability to be a direct result of the passion and hard work each person brings on a daily basis.

Thing that baffles me: People who focus on obstacles when solutions are there if you look for them.

Best vacation: My wife and I rented a private island in Bora Bora for our honeymoon.

During the weekend: I enjoy spending time on nearby lakes, rivers, and creeks with my family.

My favorite place on earth: In a hammock under a couple of oak trees (or palm trees).

I’m inspired by: My father who never considered inexperience or lack of formal training to be a reason to avoid trying something new.

Nick RyzaVice President

Nick was born in Austin and raised in Corpus Christi. He went to college at Texas A&M in Corpus Christi and spent many days surfing when he should have been in class. After graduating with a degree in Chemistry, he moved back to Austin and started his professional career in the Semiconductors Industry. He began in engineering and ended up in sales and on the side he found himself dabbling in construction. During this time, Nick met his future business partners, and helped to found Native in 2007. At Native, Nick is in charge of the company’s financial operations.

Thing that baffles me: How difficult my kids’ bedtime still is every night.

Best vacation: My best vacation was traveling to the Czech Republic with my family and meeting our distant relatives in the small town of Lidechko. It’s probably the largest collection of Ryza’s in the world!

Random fact: Native’s conception can be tied back to a few pints of Guinness at a pub in Dublin, Ireland.

Thing that inspired me to do what I do: Helping my parents build their home as a teenager. My parents then returned the favor when I wanted to build my home. One thing led to another…

David DixonBusiness Development

David has been with Native since its beginning and at various times has overseen sales, marketing, and operations over the past ten years. Currently, he is the Business Development Manager. It is a dynamic and exciting environment and he continuously looks to improve the capabilities, comfort and sustainability of our homes. David earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science degree from the University of Connecticut in 1994. After five years in the HVAC industry, he returned to the University of Texas at Austin and earned a Masters in Mechanical Engineering, with a focus in environmental science and solar design in 2000.

Book that moved me: There have been several books that have shaped by world view. The first that comes to mind is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. This is a great read about the importance of quality.

Thing that inspired me to do what I do: My awakening to the potential of a clean energy future began with a seventh grade science fair project I did on the subject. This was in the early 80’s – when there was less than 10MW of PV installed in the entire US…and now we are over 50GW!

Thing most people wouldn’t believe about me: I was athletic enough to have played in the 1997 World Ultimate Frisbee Championship games.

Most serendipitous moment: Serendipitous moments happen all the time. They occur when you reach out to others. That simple act often results in unexpected opportunities.

Jason DuvallBoard Member

Jason earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology at Texas State University. He holds many certifications including: NAHB Certifications: Graduate Master Builder, Master Certified Green Professional, ARCSA Certified Rainwater Systems Installer and a Safety Certification: OSHA 30HR. Jason has over 13 years experience in the industry and has worked in every aspect of residential construction. At Native, Jason is the director of construction, Jason leads and supports his team, ensuring that construction operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Favorite Quotes To Live By or Life Slogans: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” and “Remember, happiness is a way of travel, not a destination.”

Most Serendipitous Moment: 20 years ago I met my beautiful wife Lauren on a blind date and the rest is history.

Thing most people wouldn’t believe about me: My middle name is Gandalf.

My favorite place on earth: Easy, Austin, TX and the beautiful Hill Country, of course.

Cathy Redson has been in the solar industry since 2008. She is an IREC Accredited Solar Instructor and has taught solar classes at several community colleges, for the IBEW, and for countless solar professionals. In addition, Cathy holds both NABCEP PV Installation Professional snd Tecnical Sales Professional Certifications. Cathy joined NATiVE in 2014 as Director of Sales, and is now the Senior Commercial Consultant handling all of our commercial and industrial projects. Cathy is recognized as a leader in the Texas solar industry. When she is not working, Cathy enjoys working out and live music. has a MS in Education from Florida International University and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Les WilcoxProject Manager

At NATiVE I project manage commercial and Lennar home solar installations. I also perform residential sight assessments.

During the weekend I: Spend most of the time outdoors with the family. We do a lot of hikes, long runs, or bike rides around the Hill Country. Also we like to take the kayaks out to the local water holes.

My favorite place on earth: MacRea’s Peak, grandfather mountain, NC. At the peak there is a 360 degree vue of the blue ridge mountains.

Eric JacobusProject Manager

Super power: Invincibility, I have never died once my whole life. Not even once!

Best Vacation: When I was younger I went to Montana for the summer with a friend of mine, it was the best summer ever. I was in a parade, went to Yellowstone, learned to heard sheep, rode 4 wheelers, drove a car for the first time, and fell in love with the outdoors.

Favorite quote: “All experience has shown that mankind is more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed”. – American Declaration of Independence
And it’s so true, even though sustainability and renewable energy is clearly a better way to go most people won’t make the change only because it’s not what we have always done before.

Ryan RiddleSolar Operations Manager

I work as a renewable energy consultant to help our clients find find a solar solution that’s tailored to them. Solar is a technology with tremendous benefits to the environment but it is also a great investment for anyone who wants to save money while saving the planet. I started installing solar on houses and commercial buildings back in 2008 and now I get the chance to work with our clients throughout the whole process. From design of the systems to monitoring the electricity produced by their solar array, I know that every client’s solar system is a custom job. I’m proud to be a part of changing the way we use and generate power.

In my spare time: I am trying to grow a vegetable garden. I looks simple but there’s actually allot to it. It makes me value what it takes to get from a seed to the dinner plate.

My best vacation ever: My honeymoon was on Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean. Its an amazing island, with beaches, jungles, a volcano, everything really. Seems Americans are just starting to find out about it. It should be noted that I don’t speak French but we had a great guide and that helped enormously. Lots of solar on the island too which was neat.

Likes: I love craft beer and Texas BBQ. Who doesn’t? I think Austin is such an amazing place for food and drinks. I like to try new places.

Thing most people wont believe about me: I grew up in South America for eight years, in Argentina and Peru. It was great to experience those different cultures and it really makes me appreciate what we have here as well as everything that’s out there waiting to be explored.

Jay ThomasLead Renewable Energy Consultant

What I do at Native: I am rewarded every day by helping people “go green” and invest in renewable energy and energy efficient systems. My area of expertise is solar, however I am interested in and ready to tackle any project that has a positive impact for my clients and this good green home we call Earth.

I am inspired by: the potential that renewable energy has to make our world a healthier, cleaner and happier place.

My favorite place on Earth: the forests of New Zealand, and I hope to return someday to walk among the ferns and trees (and tree ferns!)

My all time dream is to hike the entire length of the 2,663 mile long Pacific Crest Trail, South to North, in one season.

I would love to meet: Neil deGrasse Tyson and pick his brain about the future of space travel. He is my personal hero, and a fellow UT alumnus to boot.

Book that moved me – Ferdinand the Bull. I enjoyed this book immensely as a young child for its descriptive black and white drawings and simple message of being true to one’s self. I have read many moving books since then but this is one that stuck with me early on. Now that I have my own young children I look forward to introducing them to moving books as they discover the joys of reading.

Guilty pleasure – Eating an entire bag of Hot Fries one at a time on Mo-Pac or I-35 in standstill traffic. Not sure why but I think it’s my way of reclaiming my time lost in the rush hour commute.

Best advice – “Don’t know if you don’t go-” I heard this in high school from one of my friends that came from a long family of surfers. At the time I got the wave catching reference but since then I have come to see its value as a metaphor for living life to its fullest.

My favorite place on earth – In on word, home. I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay and SE coast of Virginia and North Carolina. One day while living in Boulder, Colorado I was expressing my feeling of homesickness to my friend from Mexico City. He smiled and said, “Where ever you walk on this Earth you are home!” I have traveled the world a bit as has my wife and we currently live in the Texas Hill Country with our young family. My favorite place on earth is right beneath my feet.

Lydia MillerRenewable Energy Consultant

A native of Hays, Kansas, Lydia came to the DFW area in 1991 to complete her Master’s degree at UT Dallas, and has been a resident ever since. She has worked in education and the environment for most of her career. Before coming to Native, she was the event sales manager for Green Mountain Energy for north and central Texas.

Likes: I love building things, and doing home improvement. I once started with three sheets of sanded plywood, and ended up with a wood floor inlaid in a quilting pattern.

In my spare time: My wife and I both sing with the Women’s Chorus of Dallas, and have foster kittens. So far we’ve managed not to end up keeping any of them!

Best advice: Anything worth doing is worth doing badly! It’s always worth it to muddle through something even if you don’t know what you’re doing or aren’t sure.

Jeff McWhorterRenewable Energy Consultant

A native Texan who calls Dallas his home is another alumni of Green Mountain Energy that’s joined the Native family…

“The Ecology of Commerce” by Paul Hawken caught my eye in 1993 and inspired the search for a green career. When you marry business interest with environmental sensibilities you simply get positive change…

Now throw in my Super Power, which can’t be disclosed yet, and you get a walking, talking solar advocate who you are bound to meet at some point…

I have one random fact that also serves as good advice. “No one is smart enough to be 100% wrong”.

Amie DiehlHuman Resources Manager

Amie is the Human Resources Manager at Native. She partners with business leaders to determine and implement HR programs that align with organizational needs and business objectives. She has an Economics degree from Texas Tech University, a SHRM-CP Certification and 15 years of business experience in Sales, Administration and Human Resources.

Random Fact About Me: I love to travel. Some of the exotic places I have visited are Russia, Sweden, Finland, England, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Shanghai. My favorite “go to” place is Laguna Beach.

Terri SerafineUtility Administrator

Terri graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration specializing in Marketing with a minor in Computer Science from East Texas State University. Terri prepares and manages all rebate and interconnection utility paperwork as well as uploads and inputs all sales leads into NATiVE’s lead distribution system.

Best Vacation: On our 10 year wedding anniversary we took our family to Maui to renew our wedding vows.

During the weekend: When I am not attending events with my children I am usually riding on the back of my husband’s Harley Davidson street glide.

Likes: Attending both Dripping Springs Middle and High School Football games to watch my son play football and my daughter cheer.

Thing most people wouldn’t believe about me: I can tie a cherry stem into a knot in my mouth.

Ryan DotyMarketing/Design/Media

Born and raised in the midwest, Ryan went to school for art, film, & theatre, attending Purdue University, Oxford, and the University of Central Florida. He has a varied background, with experience working in graphic design, film, computer-aided drafting, website design & optimization, marketing, education, construction, carpentry, and solar PV. Ryan manages the NATiVE website, produces videos, graphics, and maintains NATiVE’s digital and printed presence.

During the weekend: I like to spend time on the greenbelt hiking and swimming with my dogs and family.

Thing most people wouldn’t believe about me: Although pretty laid back and mellow, I am an adrenaline/sports junkie. I like skydiving, scuba diving, bungee jumping, flying (piloting), sailing, snowboarding, skateboarding, hiking, climbing mountains, and long to base jump, hang glide, pilot a helicopter, and fly bigger planes. Oh, and I’d like to travel through space.

Favorite quote: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” – Heraclitus

Best advice: Do not walk upstream after taking a drink from a river.

Tonya YoungController

As Construction Coordinator, Tonya supports the construction team to help facilitate efficient operations while your home is built. She transitions your project from Sales & Estimating to Construction and remains involved throughout the entire process and after move in. You will work with Tonya to approve selections and change orders, for homeowner portal assistance, and to submit warranty claims. She’s excited you’ve chosen NATiVE to build your new, sustainable home and strives for positive homeowner experiences during and after construction.

Best advice: Let Go. Let God.

In my spare time I enjoy watching documentaries.

I am inspired by people who are genuine, selfless, and driven to find solutions for daunting issues, for the benefit of the world we all live in and are responsible for together.

My favorite place on earth is in a good dream.

Elijah Johnson-HeckLead Designer

Elijah’s interest in building design started at a very young age. He got the opportunity to apprentice with a team of architects at the age of 14, and spent his teen years working on a variety of residential construction and historical restoration projects. He graduated from Sarah Lawrence College where he studied history, anthropology and cinematography, and spent a number of years after college working on film productions, commercial photography and residential construction jobs. It was during this time that his interest in sustainable design and renewable energy took off, and he reentered the construction field full time and began working for design build firms that specialized in both residential and commercial construction, but the motives and projects of the companies he worked for did not align with his own vision for the role of sustainability in construction until he relocated to Austin and found Native. Elijah designs Photovoltaic installations. He holds his NABCEP solar certification.

Book that moved me: Brave New World Revisited by Aldous Huxley. It was written 20 years after Brave New World in the 1950s, wherein he describes how the world is moving towards what he envisioned in the 1930s novel faster than he could ever have anticipated. He predicts the collusion of media, government and corporate power that we have been watching develop over the last 50 years and suggests that the only way to battle this inevitability is through autonomy and self-sufficiency.

Thing that baffles me: I am baffled by the fact that despite all science has taught us and despite all that technology has made us capable of achieving, we still allow our fellow humans to destroy our planet and deplete our natural resources at an unsustainable pace.

Best advice: The best advice I can offer is to question everything and to learn something new every day.

My hero is: My maternal grandfather, a veteran of the first US ski troopers in WWII who went to Harvard on the GI bill when that was still possible and spent his life as a teacher, always willing to share his knowledge and understanding with anyone willing to learn. He taught me more about life and respecting my fellow humans than anyone else I’ve ever known.

My all time dream: Is owning a farm that processes every aspect of sustainability known to man, and growing old with my wife on it. Also a kangaroo on the farm would be cool.

The NATiVE Team is full of renewable energy and green building experts. The NATiVE Team is dedicated to making Texas more sustainable. The NATiVE Team is your locally trusted team. The NATiVE Team is the best local contractor team. NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team NATiVE Team

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